Scrap Metal Investigation Leads to Monterey Meth Bust

Two Monterey residents were arrested on Tuesday, April 24 after Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly found an active meth lab at their residence.

Officers approached the home on Hazel Boulevard after an investigation was being conducted concerning the theft of scrap metal. Bart Shank, who was suspect of theft, had directed police to the residence to speak to Pete Rowe. He told police that he had been scrapping items with Rowe and said he lived at the address. When police arrived, one resident, Michael Babcock, told police he had never heard of Pete Rowe and that he and his girlfriend had been living at that residence for approximately two months.

When police searched the home for Rowe, they reportedly found an active meth lab and precursors. Officers took Babcock into custody, though Babcock told police that the lab was Kristin Redlin’s property and not his. Babcock called Redlin in the presence of police who allegedly confirmed the items and the lab were hers. Officers completed an affidavit for probable cause at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. Meanwhile, Redlin arrived at the scene and was detained by officers. She was also reportedly found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

The search warrant was executed and the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team was called to collect the evidence and clean up the scene. Babcock was arrested on a preliminary charge of Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Redlin was arrested and faces preliminary charges of Dealing in Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Precursors and Possession of Paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Starke County Sheriff’s Department where Babcock has since posted bond while Redlin remains on a $25,000 surety bond.